Manchester United’s “must start” XI
By Wyatt Miner
Manchester United are having the best season since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, but United are still struggling to reach first place. What players are must starts for Mourinho?
In Manchester United’s “perfect” starting eleven, the formation would be a 4-3-3 This formation provides plenty of support for the back line. Additionally, there are plenty of options in the midfield and up front. For clarification, one of the midfielders will play a defensive role.
Manchester United’s must start players:
Goalkeeper
David de Gea
The Spanish international is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. For starters, he has great reflexes, using his feet sometimes to block shots. In addition, his positioning is world class. He is never too far from goal, and he is never too close to the goal line. David de Gea is a clear choice for Mourinho in any case.
Defense
Ashley Young (left-back), Marcos Rojo (center-back), Eric Bailly (center-back), and Antonio Valencia (right-back)
Ashley Young is in his best form in years. In the match against Watford, his old club, he stood out among the rest recording two goals.
Rojo and Bailly are two of the most solid defenders we have. They are both physical and smart in the way they attack the ball.
Lastly, Antonio Valencia is one of the league’s best right backs. Valencia’s pace is utilized very well by Mourinho.
Midfielders
Paul Pogba (center-mid), Juan Mata (center-mid), and Nemanja Matic (defensive-mid)
Despite recent performances, Paul Pogba is Manchester United’s best midfielder. He is physical with the opposition, and he has a high number of assists.
Also, Juan Mata is a key player in the midfield because he also has a high number of assists. With all the influx of new players, Juan Mata has still managed to keep a starting position under Mourinho, a fact worth noting.
Last, but not least, Matic is a brick wall in the midfield. His height allows him to fight for the ball in the air, as well as defend on the ground. On occasion, Matic will blast a shot towards goal.
Forwards
Alexis Sanchez (left-wing), Romelu Lukaku (striker), and Anthony Martial (right-wing)
Sanchez is Manchester United’s biggest signing since Paul Pogba. Only a few games into his career with the Red Devils, he is making a big impact both on the pitch and off the pitch. Sanchez is a versatile player, and he truly makes the players around him much better.
Romelu Lukaku is another big signing from Mourinho, and he is leading the team in goals. His output is not of world class just yet, but it is only his first season with Manchester United and he must learn how to play under Mourinho.
Anthony Martial has been Manchester United’s best winger all season. He has produced more goals this season than he did last season. Martial is known for his dribbling skills and taking on opposition. With a front three as good as this, United should never lose a game.
Next: Match Preview: Manchester United v. Newcastle United
Ultimately, Mourinho is the only man in the world that knows Manchester United best. Fans around the globe support Mourinho in his quest to lead United to glory. Mourinho must pay close attention to who is in form because it could be the difference in losing or winning a game. Is there a possibility that supporters can see a starting eleven like this in the near future?